THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



of m}^ triumph over cither horse or man, I have made my bow 

 to the turf, leaving it to those who are better fitted for it tlian I 

 am — in other words, to those to whose tastes it is more con- 

 genial than I have found it to be to mine. There is too much 

 mystery in it to please me ; added to a sort of mutual suspicion 

 amongst its votaries, that all are rogues together. That such 

 is not the case we are well assured, by the numbers of honour- 

 able men who are amongst tliem ; but, to speak the truth at 

 once, I think, compared with fox-hunting, it is a very low 

 pursuit. 



' By the way, the mention of the Prince reminds me that 

 his Royal Highness did me the honour to have me introduced 

 to him ; passed some compliments on my horse and horse- 

 manship, and in his usual — -I believe inimitable — elegantly 

 familiar style, inquired kindly after my mother, reminding me 

 that they had danced a minuet together in their younger days. 

 Glad to hear you are well, and renjain 



' Your very affectionate son, 



'Francis Raby 



'Bond Street, June 27, 1809.' (' M.P. in abeyance). 



The next day but two having brought the answer from 

 Mr. Raby, to the effect that he would find the needful for the 

 contest, should such take place, adding that he was not to be 

 frightened out of his object by a sugar-baker, wealthy as he 

 might be, and how ' sweetly soever he might discourse,' Frank 

 Raby ordered four post-horses to his travelling carriage the 

 next morning, and arrived at Riply the same night. On the 

 morrow he called on Sir Richard Hartley, whose fine seat was 

 in the neighbourhood, and the following was the result of the 

 interview : 



' Glad to see you at Wortham,' said Sir Richard ; ' your 

 father seems bent upon your being in Parliament, and on our 

 borough becoming vacant, wrote to me to know whether you, 

 as a friend and nominee of mine, would walk over the course. 

 I told him, in reply, I thought you would; and as to my 

 interest, he made sure of that, on the score of our mutual 

 regard. I have, however, since learnt that an eminent suo-ar- 

 baker in the city has a mind to aspire to the honour ; and, as 

 he is full of money, he may, perhaps, cause us some trouble.' 



' ]\Iy father has told me as much by letter,' replied Frank 



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